The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised the Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a decision that follows a Federal High Court ruling nullifying a rival convention held by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction.
The developments mark a major turning point in the prolonged leadership crisis within Nigeria’s once-dominant opposition party.
On Monday, INEC updated its official records to reflect the new leadership structure of the PDP, with Abdulrahman Mohammed appointed as National Chairman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
Other officers include Ahmed Yayari Mohammed (National Treasurer), Daniel Woyengikuro (National Financial Secretary), and Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN (National Legal Adviser).
Earlier the same day, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the November 2025 convention held in Ibadan by the Turaki-led faction null and void, ruling that its resolutions including the election of party officers and suspension of members violated the party’s constitution, prior court orders, and section 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Judge Joyce Abdulmalik further barred INEC, the police, and the State Security Service (SSS) from recognising any officials elected at the Ibadan convention and ordered the Wike faction granted access to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
The Wike-aligned faction, through acting chairperson Abdulrahman Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, had previously filed suit to restrain the Turaki group from representing the party.
The Turaki-led faction, which suffered defeats at both the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, has appealed to the Supreme Court for a final resolution.
The PDP has struggled with internal disputes since losing power at the federal level in 2015.
Factional battles over control of the National Working Committee (NWC) and party structures have frequently required court intervention.
Multiple parallel claims to the party’s leadership have destabilised its operations, delayed party conventions, and contributed to public perceptions of dysfunction.
These crises have been accompanied by high-profile defections. Key party members, including former governors, senators, and influential stakeholders, have moved to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The Wike faction argues that centralised, disciplined leadership is essential to halting defections and consolidating the party ahead of the next general elections.
INEC’s recognition, coupled with the court’s validation of the Wike faction’s convention in Abuja, now gives the group control over party machinery, candidate endorsements, and internal elections.
